The Bridges of Madison County characters

Appears from the start

A recently deceased Iowa farmwife whose private papers reveal a part of her life she never shared with her family. The written account, letters, and photographs she has left behind ask her grown children to see her beyond the familiar roles of wife and mother.

First appears in chapter 2

A professional photographer and writer who travels alone in an aging pickup truck. Self-contained, observant, and accustomed to a wandering life, he comes to Madison County on assignment to photograph its covered bridges.

First appears in chapter 3

Francesca's husband, an Iowa farmer whose trip to the state fair with their children leaves her alone at home for several days. He is steady, decent, and rooted in the practical rhythms of farm and family life, though he does not share all of Francesca's inward longings.

Appears from the start

Francesca and Richard's adult son. After his mother's death, he and his sister sort through the papers she deliberately left for them and confront a history that changes their understanding of her.

Appears from the start

Francesca and Richard's adult daughter. She joins Michael in examining their mother's photographs, letters, and written account, approaching the discovery with surprise and a need to understand the choices Francesca made.

First appears in chapter 5

Francesca's nearby friend and confidante, an outgoing woman more inclined than Francesca to speak directly about private feelings. Her familiarity with the Johnson household makes her one of the few people positioned to notice when Francesca's ordinary routine changes.